Perhaps I mispoke when I said 'midnight blue.' I was browsing fabric swatches at the tailor's, and they had what looked like a standard navy color, and then a very dark blue. Same in gray: an easily distinguishable dark gray, then one even darker. I was drawn to both the darkest gray and the darkest blue he had in this particular wool, as I like dark suits (though I do not like the look of a black suit for some reason).

So, which ever direction I decide to go in, those on this thread would recommend a double-breasted vest to go with it? Though I like peak lapels, how suitable are they for business-wear after the wedding. I am at a level of income where I can afford only one suit a year, to wear to interviews, etc. I'm looking for the suit for all occasions, and one that hopefully will last me quite a while.

You will rarely see a true midnight blue cloth in any swatch books other than the formal wear books. Off the top of my head, I can't think of one. However, there is nothing that says you can't order cloth from a formal book and make it into a suit as opposed to a dinner jacket. As has been said, midnight is so dark you can tell it from navy at a glance.

I do prefer the double breasted vest with a formal suit, especially if you intend it for a wedding. It has a certain panache that an SB vest lacks, and is reminiscent of the formal vest worn with the stroller or morning coat.

An SB peak suit is fine for business, but to be extra cautious, I might not get it if were to be (for the time being) my one really good suit. Notch will be slightly more versatile in business situations.

Matching is easier and safer. I suppose you could wear an off white linen odd vest with a charcoal suit. It's not exactly "canonical", but so what. However, you will find such a vest to be of limited usefulness after the wedding.

Another option is a buff (yellowish/tan) coloured DB waistcoat. It is a traditional colour for morning dress but also less recognisable as a formal colour (compared to dove grey) for wear after the wedding. As far as a white or cream coloured waistcoat goes, I am going to have my tailor copy the waistcoat worn here by Arthur Nikisch (former Chief Conductor of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra): My tailor thinks it is made of flannel but trying to get off white/cream coloured flannel is pretty much impossible these days, so I am settling on a wool in a barathea weave. On the subject of lounge suits for weddings, as usual I must say I too am inclined to recommend that if a lounge suit must be worn at all, it should be made to look as much like ersatz formal dress as possible. The DB waistcoat has been mentioned. Still, if it were me I would go for a stroller and have both matching and formal striped trousers made: I really like the look of a SBPL lounge suit anyway. A single button coat would be my preference. It would even be wearable after the wedding with a buff coloured DB waistcoat.

OK, a woman is willing to marry you even though you are not rich, congratulations.

You realize of course that a suit is not necessary in order to marry her.

Probably the most versatile business suit is a navy blue or medium gray notch lapel single breasted suit for someone who aspires to be a junior executive. Black shoes recommended.

The navy blue suit is non-threatening to most people, whereas the dark gray and dark blue suits project an image of authority, which you might only wish to project only if you are at top executive level or is of employer status.

Quote:

Originally Posted by pauper

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Though I like peak lapels, how suitable are they for business-wear after the wedding. I am at a level of income where I can afford only one suit a year, to wear to interviews, etc. I'm looking for the suit for all occasions, and one that hopefully will last me quite a while.

Another option is a buff (yellowish/tan) coloured DB waistcoat. It is a traditional colour for morning dress but also less recognisable as a formal colour (compared to dove grey) for wear after the wedding.

As far as a white or cream coloured waistcoat goes, I am going to have my tailor copy the waistcoat worn here by Arthur Nikisch (former Chief Conductor of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra):

My tailor thinks it is made of flannel but trying to get off white/cream coloured flannel is pretty much impossible these days, so I am settling on a wool in a barathea weave.

Both Minnis and H&S have cream colored flannel if you want it. What color is the piping on the edges?